St Kitts and Nevis kicks off Americas Netball Championship with victory

St. Kitts and Nevis kicked off the Americas Netball Men’s Championship in style, securing their first win in their first game with a commanding victory over Antigua and Barbuda, scoring 41-27.

The America’s Netball Championship is a huge platform for all the netball enthusiasts to engage with the sport, while uniting communities for positive change.

This contest is being played between eight teams, which includes, Antigua and Barbuda, England, Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, the United States of America, the hosts St Kitts and Nevis, and the defending champion Jamaica.

The Championship began on 12^th September 2024 at PAM Tyson Netball Complex with the first match being played between St Kitts and Nevis and Antigua and Barbuda. The first game was won by the former, scoring 41-27.

While extending congratulations to the team, Minister of Sports of St Kitts and Nevis, Samal Duggins lauded the team for their exceptional victory. He especially mentioned the Captain, Zeon Hector who not only secured Most Valuable Player of the match but also showcased incredible control throughout the game.

Minister Samal Duggins stated that Hector’s composure, sharp decision-making, and strategies have played a huge role in keeping the momentum in the favour, guiding the Pelicans to victory.

Notably, the whole squad of St Kitts and Nevis Men’s Netball team competing in the Americas Netball Men’s Tournament 2024 includes, Jermaine Weekes, Jefry Lewis, Dio Hendrickson, George Gaton, Samir Glasgow, Calbert Dore Jr, Tariq Drew, Gabriel Martinez, Tariq Richards, Zeon Hector, Royden Browne, Shonroy Caesar, Tchaikouski York and Marley Lee.

“Well done, Pelicans! The whole nation is behind you! Let’s keep the momentum going,” noted Minister Samal Duggins.

However, St Kitts and Nevis lost their second game of the tournament against St Vincent and the Grenadines with the scores 29-50. Although, facing a loss in the series, the team has still not lost its mind and a still determined for all the upcoming matches.

The Americas Netball Championship also serve as a qualifier for the Central Americas Caribbean Games which has been scheduled to take place in Santo Domingo in 2026. The top five teams from this tournament will be advanced to the 2026 games in Santo Domingo.

Now, with four more matches yet to be played, St Kitts and Nevis is upcoming with necessary developments to ensure more wins. The matches that are yet to be played have been scheduled to take place at the celebrated Cicely Grell-Hull Dora Steven Netball Complex.

The nation will have its team tackle against Trinidad and Tobago on 15^th September, England on 16^th, USA on 17^th, and Grenada on 18^th.